Kate Cain
Kate Cain, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Sheppard Mullin, sat down with Ted Theodoropoulos, CEO of Infodash, to discuss the evolution of data and innovation in law firms, the role of AI and knowledge management, and and the evolving role of knowledge management in law firms live at ILTACON 2024. If you missed it, you’ll find a recap of Ted and Kate’s conversation here.
Kate’s Role and Experience at Sheppard Mullin
Kate Cain discussed her role at Sheppard Mullin, where she has been building out the firm’s knowledge and innovation function for five months. She emphasized the importance of reimagining the functions of the research and support teams within the firm, particularly in bridging the gap between delivering software and transforming the way people work.
The Evolution of Data and Innovation in Law Firms
Ted and Kate delved into the challenges law firms face with data, particularly the messy nature of unstructured data due to mergers and acquisitions. Kate highlighted the evolution of law firms’ understanding of “big data” and the unique challenges that come with legal data, which often differs significantly from other industries.
The Role of AI and Knowledge Management
The conversation touched on the role of AI in transforming unstructured data into structured formats, with Kate explaining how AI can significantly impact the legal industry. They also discussed the ethical questions surrounding the ownership of knowledge and experience, particularly in the context of using AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot.
Innovation and Risk Management in Law Firms
Kate and Ted explored the concept of innovation within law firms, including the challenges of risk management and the importance of business professionals in supporting lawyers. Kate stressed that innovation cannot happen in a silo and must be a collaborative effort that includes various perspectives across the firm.
Final Thoughts on Innovation and ILTACON
In concluding their discussion, Ted and Kate reflected on the importance of panel discussions at ILTACON for fostering conversations and sharing different perspectives. Kate appreciated the value of live, well-moderated panels that allow for interactive and dynamic exchanges, which she believes is a unique aspect of the ILTACON experience.
Ted expressed his enjoyment of the conference and the meaningful conversations it fosters, indicating plans to feature Kate on an upcoming Legal Innovation Spotlight podcast.